It wasn’t just something. It was not a “some” meeting. But, for sure, it was a big “thing”.
I am the leader of one of the scout teams in Poland and On Wednesday evening, 28th of April, forty-five scouts from Israel and Poland took part in an unforgettable meeting.
We had the honour to meet with Mrs Zofia Radzikowska, a polish activist from Krakow of Jewish origin, who shared with us her unbelievable story. She was four years old when the II World War began. We hung on her every word, feeling moved and touched. Mrs Radzikowska passed on to us her unique approach to life, full of gratitude, teaching us to look for goodness in every single moment. Owing to her openness, we were able to ask her questions, otherwise not answered.
Zikaron BaSalon connected us. If it were not for this organization, there probably wouldn’t be such an experience for us. Thanks to the understanding between Polish Scouting and Guiding Association, the Israeli Scouts, the Embassy of Israel and the Zikaron BaSalon, history happened. Literally, because we managed to connect from our homes, from many different places all around this part of the world, through the digital plat
form, Zoom. The structure of Zikaron BaSalon is easy to follow, which allows you to create the appropriate space you need for such a gathering. We were there to listen and share, to hear about the past and learn the lessons for our future. Our meeting lasted for over an hour, however, we felt that we could have discussed much longer.
Before the event, the Polish and Israeli scouts contacted each other to introduce ourselves and discuss the details of the Salon. We hope that these opportunities, which unite our two nations, will happen more often. Our Zikaron BaSalon was very special, because of this.
We are grateful that we could be a part of such an emotional meeting. We believe that learning about our shared history is an obligation, and we need to honour the memory of those who made our world as we know it. Those who, in defenc
e of such a world, have given more than they should. Those who suffered.
The meeting allowed us to slow down for a moment and acknowledge the world we live in.
This is a lesson for the future.
This is our story.
Mrs Zofia Radzikowska was born in Kraków, Poland to a Jewish family as the daughter of Izaak Melcer and Sara nee Orbach. She survived the war with her mother under the fake name in the villages next to Kraków. In 1980-1992 she was part of the “Solidarity” movement. She holds a doctorate in law. During the years 1994 - 2002, she was a councillor of the City of Kraków.
Mrs Radzikowska was also a board member of the Jewish Community in Kraków, active in the Kraków branch of the Children of the Holocaust. Mrs Radzikowska is also co-founder of B’nai B’rith Polska.